Queensland Supreme Court
The mother of Warriena Wright, who fell from Gable Tostee’s 14th floor balcony has slammed the judge for releasing audio of her daughter’s final moments.
In a statement read by a family member, Merzabeth Tagpuno details the “most saddest, hardest trip” she’s ever had to endure.
“I asked not to release the audio tapes – yet I was over-ruled by the judge. I did not want to hear my daughter screaming, ‘No, no, no’. I did not want to remember her like that.,” said Ms Tagpuno.
“I feel our family had been disrespected by the judge’s ruling to release the audio tapes to the media. To those who want an exclusive from my family, we’re saying ‘No’.
“The judge gave you everything – that is enough,” she continued.
“The media have hurt me so bad. When this is over I will go back to New Zealand. I want to be left alone. Please respect my privacy, I will not talk to anybody; just leave our family in peace.
“No matter how this goes, I just want to go home.”
Audio recorded on Tostee’s phone from the night of Ms Wright’s death appear to the show the couple’s relationship turning violent.
The prosecution are arguing that Tostee intimidated Wright to the point where she feared for her life and climbing off the balcony was her only means of escape.
Yesterday the court heard that Wright had suffered more than 80 injuries after falling from the 14th floor.
Her blood alcohol was estimated to be 0.156 according to News.com.au, which is three times the legal driving limit.
The trial continues.
